The long-awaited extension of the Wood County Airport runway at Collins Field will be celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, July 29 at 10 a.m. at the airport off County Road 2355 between Mineola and Quitman.

The runway will be lengthened from 4,000 to 5,006 feet, which will help accommodate additional aircraft, especially corporate jets which now must travel to Tyler, Sulphur Springs and other area facilities.

Garver Engineering has been selected to oversee the expansion, which will be done in concert with the aviation division of the Texas Dept. of Transportation.

The project received a major boost last summer when it was learned that a state appropriation of $8 million made it through the legislature’s budgeting process.

The local government sponsors, the cities of Mineola and Quitman and the county, scrambled to budget funds for the 10% match ($800,000)required for the project.

Construction is expected to begin immediately, with anticipated completion in the spring of 2025.

Efforts will be made to minimize disruption of airport operations during the project.

“The decision to extend the runway was driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for air travel, the need to accommodate larger aircraft and ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations at Wood County Airport,” said Christine Thomas, executive director of Wood County Economic Development Commission. “The extended runway will facilitate smoother takeoffs and landings, reduce congestion and enhance overall airport capacity.”

The expansion has the potential to create more jobs and opportunities for aviation education and training for the county, she added.

It “underscores Wood County Airport’s role as a crucial transportation hub, supporting economic growth, tourism and regional connectivity,” Thomas said, attracting new businesses and strengthening the local economy.